This Shrimp Garlic Fried Rice is a quick and tasty dish packed with juicy shrimp and lots of garlic. It’s perfect for using up leftover rice, too!
Honestly, it’s hard to resist the aroma of garlic sizzling in the pan. I love making this for a speedy dinner when I want something yummy without a lot of fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jasmine Rice: This type of rice gives a lovely fragrance and stickiness. If you don’t have it, you can use long-grain white rice or even basmati in a pinch, but the flavor might differ a bit.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp tastes great, but frozen shrimp works too! Just thaw it in the fridge overnight. If you have a shellfish allergy, you can substitute with diced chicken or tofu.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that rich flavor. If you’re in a hurry, garlic powder can work as a substitute, but fresh is always best for taste.
Green Onions: Both parts add a lot of flavor and color. If you don’t have green onions, you could sprinkle some chopped chives or shallots as a substitute.
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth. If you want a vegetarian option, use a mushroom sauce instead, or just skip it if you prefer.
How Do I Get My Fried Rice Extra Flavorful?
The key to super flavorful fried rice is all about the “wok hei” or “breath of the wok.” This means cooking over high heat quickly to develop that delicious char flavor.
- Use day-old rice: It’s drier and won’t clump together.
- Heat your pan well before adding oil.
- Cook each ingredient separately if possible—this prevents steaming.
- Give everything room to fry, don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Add sauces at the end to keep the flavor bold.
Follow these tips and enjoy a vibrant, flavorful shrimp garlic fried rice! Happy cooking!
How to Make Shrimp Garlic Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fried Rice:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably chilled overnight)
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy dish that comes together in no time, making it perfect for a speedy dinner or lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Once done, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
3. Scramble the Eggs:
Pour in the beaten eggs and stir quickly to scramble them. Cook until the eggs are just set.
4. Add the Rice:
Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Mix thoroughly, ensuring the rice is well combined with the eggs, garlic, and onions.
5. Season the Fried Rice:
Stir in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if you’re using it). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything until heated through, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
6. Combine with Shrimp:
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Toss everything together gently until the shrimp are warmed and well-distributed in the rice mixture.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the pan from the heat and garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions. Serve immediately, and feel free to add extra green onions or chili on the side for extra flavor!
Enjoy your delicious shrimp garlic fried rice! It’s an easy and satisfying dish that’s bursting with flavor!
Can I Use Fresh Shrimp Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh shrimp works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure it’s cleaned and deveined before cooking. If using frozen shrimp, remember to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.
What If I Don’t Have Jasmine Rice?
No problem! You can substitute jasmine rice with long-grain white rice, basmati, or even brown rice. Just be aware that the flavor and texture might vary slightly.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the shrimp and replace it with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas. Tofu can be a great protein substitute as well, just sauté it until golden before adding the rice.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp garlic fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove with a splash of water to add moisture, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
